A perfect example of the “interconnectedness of things” (i.e. the fundamental principle behind this blog) is the concept of a “living rulebook”.

In an earlier post, I spent some time understanding the rules behind the game “Twilight Struggle”.  As I went through this exercise, I started to think about how the concept of a “rulebook” could apply to my own life.  Could I have my own “rulebook”?

REGEN introduces the “living rulebook” concept which is a set of “rules” that will help guide my life in a better direction – i.e. one that is more aligned with my core values and beliefs.

Here are the initial set of rules that I need to pay close attention to: (in no particular order)

– Be thankful with what you have.
– Be conscious and aware.
– Be comfortable with your decisions and eliminate justification.
– Eliminate / reduce dissonance.
– Know that you are smart enough to continuously reinvent yourself.
– Don’t be afraid of change and the unknown.
– If you feel it’s the right thing to do, then do it.
– You could be gone tomorrow – be happy now.
– Keeping moving forward at all costs.
– If you aren’t adding value, then find a way to do so.
– Be present and be known.
– If you don’t want to do something, don’t.
– Feel and be open to “pain” to allow for greater growth.
– Problems that seem significant now usually aren’t over the long-term.
– Life doesn’t have to become more difficult – it can be easier and more fulfilling.
– Depression lasts only as long as you allow it.
– Solve the problem.
– Don’t be afraid of failure.
– Start something that you are afraid of starting.
– Take calculated risks often.
– Ask permission later.
– You may not be good at something now, but you will be if you keep trying.
– Program your mind in a positive direction.

This “rulebook” also establishes five high-level directional messages:

1. Keep Moving Forward
2. Live in the Now
3. Make Conscious Decisions
4. Be Open
5. Be Strong
6. Think Positively

In day-to-day life, it’s sometimes easy to forget about the things that are most important to guide one’s life.  This “living rulebook” is one technique that I think will help me maintain perspective and enable better decision-making in the short and long-term.